Jerry Wind

Challenge Your Mental Models

Who says I am not capable of change?

When I first say this book I was turned off by what I perceived as its “positive thinking power” approach. I am glad I did not stop there. A careful reading revealed the book to contain a systematic process which helps define the importance of mental models, assess their relevance and steps for action.

The authors propose a four step process for assessing and changing your models.

1. Recognize the power and limits of mental models.
2. Test the relevance of your models against the changing environment, generate new models and develop an integrated portfolio.
3. Overcome change inhibitors by reshaping infrastructure and thinking.
4. Transform your world by quick action. Continuously experiment, assess and strengthen your models.

This fourth point, the authors say, is accomplished by “zooming in” and “zooming out.” Zooming in is a process that involves focusing of a situation’s details without being over whelmed by them. The process includes these approaches:

1. Engage in rigorous analysis. Pay attention to outliers and inconsistencies.
2. Categorize and Prioritize. Categorize by similarity, common fate and continuation.
3. Avoid Paralysis caused by too broad a focus.

Zooming out allows you to look at the big picture. It is accomplished by:

1. Recognizing the limits of your vision field.
2. Avoid Cognitive fixation.
3. Appreciate the context.
4. Create time for reflection.
5. Use many approaches.
6. Collaborate.

The models you adopt shape your approach to life. The dot-bomb bubble provides interesting lessons, the authors say.

1. Understand your models.
2. Know when to change. Do not get swept away with fads.
3. Recognize that paradigm shifts are a two-way street. Old models have value in an e-commerce world.
4. Develop a new way to see and perceive.
5. Mine nuggets of sense from streams of complexity.
6. Experiment.
7. Bridge disconnects.
8. Examine your infrastructure.
9. Trust your intuition – but have the courage to challenge it.

To change your world, you have to change your thinking. This book is a thoughtful, systematic approach expanding your personal and business opportunities.… (mere)